India’s loss named ICC Fans’ moment of the Year 2017

January 18, 2018

India's Champions Trophy loss wins ICC Fans' moment of the Year

The annual ICC awards were announced on the early morning of 18th January with Virat Kohli and Steve Smith sweeping away the top honors. While Indian cricketers like Kohli and Yuzvendra Chahal received a few honours, ironically, it was India’s loss to Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy final, which was named the ICC Fans’ moment of the Year for 2017.

2017 was a remarkable year for cricket all around with some unforgettable encounters, retirements and landmarks being achieved, however, even all of that often fails to eclipse the excitement and Indo-Pak cricket match manages to produce.

India faced Pakistan in the CT’17 Final

Right from the time, draw was made for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, people had forecasted the minute possibility of seeing and India-Pakistan final and so it happened. Despite starting the tournament poorly, Pakistan managed to reach the final and on the balance of play, they managed to cause an upset.

Indian batsmen were tipped to get the better of Pakistani bowlers, and especially the Virat Kohli – Mohammad Amir battle had everyone on the edge of their seats. However, the fans had to wait for that moment as Pakistan batted first and the dashing opener Fakhar Zaman stole the limelight with a brisk century.

Hasan Ali named Emerging player of the Year

India looked all set to chase the monumental target of 339 but were pegged back by Mohd. Amir and Hasan Ali, who picked 3 wickets each, to help the men in green to register a 180-run win over the men in blue. It was one of those performances from Hasan Ali which ultimately resulted in him winning the ICC Emerging player of the Year award for 2017.

The Champions Trophy 2017 final was indeed a rare and special occasion for the World Cricket as India-Pakistan cricket games have been limited to only ICC events these days due to the internal politics of the two countries, and that is why it was never a doubt that it was due to get the ICC Fans’s moment of the Year award for 2017.